Protective cover

ABSTRACT

An apparatus is provided for covering and protecting products, such as containers of produce. The protective cover may comprise a body portion, a base portion, and a skirt portion. The body portion may have an upper panel and side panels. In some embodiments, the side panels substantially block undesirable elements, such as insects, from accessing the products, yet allow ambient air and fumigants to pass through the panels to provide sufficient ventilation and to facilitate a fumigation process. The base portion is configured to be disposed between a pallet and an arrangement of products. In some embodiments, the skirt portion may attach the body portion to the base portion. The disclosed embodiments also contemplate systems employing the protective covers and methods of making and using the protective covers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/537,014, filed on Sep. 20, 2011, entitled “Protective Cover,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The embodiments disclosed herein are directed to protecting products such as produce and, in particular, to apparatuses, systems, and methods for safe guarding fruits and vegetables from insects before and during shipment.

Produce normally is gathered from farms or fields and then delivered to a packaging facility. At the facility, the produce is packaged and temporarily stored before shipment to customers. Produce may be packaged in relatively shallow rectangular boxes for shipment. The boxes are stacked vertically on a pallet to facilitate moving the boxes at the packaging facility and during shipment. Pallets that are designated for fumigation are then typically moved to a fumigation area where fumigants are applied to eliminate insects or pests. Next, the pallets typically are moved to a cold storage area where the produce is refrigerated prior to shipment. After being cooled, an inspector reviews the produce. If no insects are detected and the produce passes inspection, the produce is cleared for shipment. If insects are present, then the load may not be suitable for shipment to intended customers.

A problem with existing packaging systems is that insects may infest produce after the fumigation step. For example, insects might be attracted to the produce when pallets are being transferred from the fumigation area to the cold storage area at a packaging facility. In addition, after the refrigeration process, insects may infest the produce before, during, or after the subsequent inspection process. There currently is no physical barrier that prevents insects from accessing produce during those times. Indeed, insects may access produce through openings in the boxes and proceed to infect the goods.

SUMMARY

In an aspect of certain embodiments, a cover is provided for protecting packaged and palletized produce from insects before and/or during shipment of the produce from one location to another location. The cover comprises a body portion including a top panel and a plurality of side panels. The body portion is configured to substantially cover the top and sides of a bundle of packaged and palletized produce containers. The plurality of side panels are configured to substantially block insects from accessing the produce and are also configured to allow ambient air and fumigants to pass therethrough. A base portion includes a bottom panel, and the base portion is configured to be disposed on a pallet such that the base portion rests between the pallet and the bundle of packaged and palletized produce containers. A skirt portion is configured to removably attach the body portion to the base portion to enable the cover to substantially cover the bundle of packaged and palletized produce containers and to securely cover and protect the produce from insects before and/or during shipment of the produce from one location to another location.

In the above-described aspect of certain embodiments, the base portion may comprise a plurality of sleeves extending substantially about a perimeter of the base portion, the plurality of sleeves comprising a plurality of side walls and a plurality of recess such that the side walls and recesses generally alternate along a length of the sleeve, the sleeve having an opening at one end of the sleeve and defining a substantially open channel configured to receive a longitudinal member. The skirt portion may comprise an inner surface, an outer surface, and a plurality of hooks disposed on the inner surface of the skirt portion, wherein the outer surface of the skirt portion is configured to removably attach to the body portion of the cover, and wherein the plurality of hooks generally correspond to the plurality recesses of the skirt portion when the cover is assembled about the bundle of packaged and palletized produce containers so that the plurality of hooks directly engage with the longitudinal member when the longitudinal member is inserted through the opening into the substantially open channel of the sleeve to securely attach the body portion, skirt portion, and base portion of the cover before and/or during shipment of the produce from one location to another location.

In another aspect of certain embodiments, an apparatus is provided for covering and protecting produce. The apparatus comprises a body portion, a base portion, and a skirt portion. The body portion comprises an upper panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. The first side panel and second side panel are attached to the upper panel. The body portion is configured to substantially cover a bundle of produce containers. The base portion is configured to be disposed between a pallet and the produce containers. The skirt portion is configured to removably attach the body portion and the base portion. The side panels substantially block insects from accessing the produce and allow ambient air to pass therethrough.

In another aspect of certain embodiments, an apparatus is provided for covering and protecting produce. The apparatus comprises a body portion and a base portion. The body portion comprises an upper panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. The body portion is configured to substantially cover a bundle of produce containers. The first side panel and second side panel are attached to the upper panel. The first side panel comprises a first longitudinal seam and a second longitudinal seam. The longitudinal seams each comprise a first portion and a second portion wherein the first portion is configured to engage with and disengage from the second portion to enable the first side panel to fold up with respect to the upper panel to allow direct access to the produce containers. The base portion is configured to be disposed between a pallet and the containers and to attach to the body portion. The side panels substantially block insects from accessing the produce and allow ambient air to pass therethrough.

The disclosed embodiments also contemplate systems employing the protective covers disclosed herein. The disclosed embodiments also contemplate methods of making and using the protective covers disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the protective covers will now be described in connection with embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the protective covers. The drawings include the following figures, which can be briefly described as follows.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a system for protecting products, such as produce, from undesirable elements.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a body portion of the protective cover of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a base portion of the protective cover of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of an embodiment of a base portion of the protective cover where the base portion has a mesh insert to allow air to pass through the base portion.

FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of a skirt portion of the protective cover of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B is a rear perspective view of the skirt portion of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is a partial exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a system for protecting products, such as produce, from undesirable elements.

FIG. 5B is a side view of an attachment portion of the protective cover of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a base portion of a protective cover.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a base portion of a protective cover.

FIG. 7B is a top plan view of a sleeve member that is detached from the base portion of FIG. 7A and a longitudinal member configured to be inserted into the sleeve member.

FIG. 7C is a side view of a skirt portion configured to engage the base portion of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7D is a rear view of the skirt portion of FIG. 7C.

FIG. 7E is a front view of the skirt portion of FIG. 7C.

FIG. 8A is a top plan view of another embodiment of a base portion of a protective cover.

FIG. 8B is a side view of an attachment portion of the protective cover of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is a top plan view of an attachment portion of the protective cover of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a system for protecting products, such as produce, from undesirable elements.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a body portion of the protective cover of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed systems, methods, and devices are designed to shield produce from insects and other undesirable pests, yet allow for proper ventilation of the produce and enable workers and inspectors to access the boxes relatively easily. Embodiments of the protective cover will now be described with reference to the enclosed drawings. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, some embodiments of the system comprise a cover having a base portion and a body portion that attaches to the base portion and is configured to fit about a stack or bundle of produce containers disposed on a pallet. FIG. 5-10 show additional embodiments of the protective cover and features of the protective cover.

As described herein with respect to some embodiments, a protective cover may comprise a body portion, a base portion, and a skirt portion. The body portion may have an upper panel and side panels. In some embodiments, the side panels substantially block undesirable elements, such as insects, from accessing the products, yet allow ambient air and fumigants to pass through the panels to provide sufficient ventilation and to facilitate a fumigation process. Such undesirable elements may include weed seeds and/or plant debris. The upper panel, base portion, and skirt portion may also be configured to substantially block undesirable elements, such as insects, from accessing the products, yet allow ambient air and fumigants to pass through the panels to provide sufficient ventilation and to facilitate a fumigation process. The base portion is configured to be disposed between a pallet and an arrangement of products. In some embodiments, the skirt portion may attach the body portion to the base portion. In other embodiments, the protective cover may comprise a body portion and a base portion such that the base portion is configured to attach directly to the body portion. The disclosed embodiments also contemplate systems employing the protective covers and methods of making and using the protective covers.

FIG. 1 shows a system 10 for safeguarding produce from undesirable elements such as insects. In one embodiment, the system 10 comprises a protective cover 20 that is configured to substantially encase a produce container or bundle of produce containers 30 that rests on a pallet 40. In one embodiment, the cover 20 comprises a body portion 100, a base portion 200, and a skirt portion 300. Other embodiments may not include a separate skirt portion 300. For example, some embodiments may include a skirt portion that is integral with the body portion 100. Other embodiments may include a skirt portion that is integral with the base portion 200. Other embodiments may include a skirt portion having components that are integral with both the body portion 100 and the base portion 200. Other embodiments may not include a skirt portion at all.

The body portion may define an open lower area. In one use, the skirt portion 300 may be attached to the base portion 200, and the base portion 200 may be placed on a standard pallet 40. Produce containers 30 then may be placed on the base portion 200 that rests on the pallet 40. The pallet 40 may comprise a standard 40 by 48 inch wooden pallet. The body portion 100 then may be disposed about the stack of containers 30 and attached to the skirt portion 300 to securely cover the produce. While some embodiments of the protective cover 20 may be used with a wooden pallet measuring 40 by 48 inches, different sized pallets may be used and, accordingly, the system 10 would be modified to accommodate various sizes of pallets or other suitable container holding and/or transportation mechanisms.

As described in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 2-4, the cover 20 may comprise four vertical side panels and one upper panel. The upper panel overlies a top portion of the boxes. A vertical or longitudinal seam portion is disposed near adjacent side panels. The side panels have a lower section that may connect to a perimeter section of the base portion. In one embodiment, the lower sections of the side panels and perimeter section of the base portion have corresponding hook and loop fastener segments to facilitate attaching the side panels to the base portion.

FIG. 2 illustrates a body portion 100 of the protective cover. In one embodiment, the body portion 100 comprises an upper panel 110 and one or more side panels 120. The upper panel 110 has an upper perimeter portion 160. FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the cover 20 having a first side panel 120 a, a second side panel 120 b, a third side panel 120 c, and a fourth side panel 120 d. Accordingly, the illustrated cover 20 is configured to protect a rectangular stack of produce containers. However, the body portion 100 may comprise more or less than four side panels depending upon, for example, the particular application of the cover or the shape of the bundle of produce containers. At a lower end of the body portion 100, in some embodiments, the side panels define an open lower portion 130 so that the cover 20 may be applied to produce containers that already rest on a pallet. Other embodiments may have a closed lower portion. For example, the protective cover may comprise a single-piece body portion that is configured to cover and protect produce containers without use of a separate base portion and a separate skirt portion.

Other embodiments of the body portion 100 may have a closed lower portion and an upper panel 110 that is configured to open and close. For example, the body portion 100 may comprise a lower panel disposed near where the open lower portion 130 is shown in FIG. 2. In such embodiments, the body portion 100 defines an upper panel 110 that is configured to open and close with respect to the body portion 100 of the cover 20. Such a configuration allows a user, for example, to place the cover on a pallet and then place a load of containers in the cover. The body portion 100 of the cover may then be brought upwards to cover the sidewalls of the load. Once the body portion 100 substantially surrounds the load, the upper panel 110 may be closed to cover a top portion of the load and to allow the cover 20 to securely contain and protect the load of containers.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the body portion 100 comprises a longitudinal seam 140 extending lengthwise within a side panel 120. In one embodiment, a first side panel 120 a has two longitudinal seams 140 a, 140 b disposed near opposite sides of the panel 120 a. The longitudinal seam 140 may comprise a first portion and a second portion wherein the first portion is configured to engage with and disengage from the second portion. In one embodiment, the longitudinal seam 140 comprises a zipper. When disengaged, the seam 140 allows a user to fold up the side panel, as shown by an arrow A in FIG. 2, to obtain access to the containers. In one embodiment, the body portion 100 comprises four full-length seams 140, such as zippers, disposed near each corner of the body portion 100.

In some embodiments, the body portion 100 includes one or more securing members 122 disposed at or near an upper portion of the body portion 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, an edge of the upper panel may include a first securing member 122 a and a second securing member 122 c. The first securing member 122 a is configured to secure the first side panel 120 a when the first side panel 120 a is folded up to obtain access to the containers. Similarly, the second securing member 122 c is configured to secure the second side panel 120 c when the second side panel 120 c is folded up to obtain access to the containers. In some embodiments, the securing members 122 a, 122 c comprise straps with hook and loop fastener material that is configured to securely retain the side panels 122 a, 122 c in an open configuration. In other embodiments, however, the body portion 100 may not include securing members 122 a, 122 c or may include other securing mechanisms. A securing member 122 may be disposed on each of four side panels of the body portion 100. In some embodiments, a securing member 122 may be disposed on one side panel, two side panels, three side panels, more than three side panels, or all side panels of a body portion 100. In some embodiments, a securing member 122 may be disposed on a top panel and/or a base portion of the cover 20.

In some embodiments, the system 10 should allow the product that is being protected to be accessible for various reasons. Advantageously, each side panel may fold up individually without affecting the other side panels. In some embodiments, the system 10 includes zippers and hook and loop fasteners, or other suitable closer and fastening mechanisms, which allow accessibility to any side of the protected product and then allow for re-securing the sides of the cover. Other types of closure devices are contemplated and may provide unique advantages in certain applications. In some embodiments, depending upon the material being protected, it may be advantageous to relocate the location of the closure devices.

The longitudinal seam 140 may be offset from an edge of the side panel 120. By offsetting the seam 140 from an edge of the side panel 120, a user may easily access and disengage the seam 140 when the pallet is stored adjacent to other loaded pallets. For example, zippers, or other closure devices, may be disposed approximately two inches in on both sides of the narrower side panels 120 a, 120 c. This will allow the sides of the pallet to be exposed for inspections and for stamping boxes with identification numbers. Additionally, this results in less air flow restrictions during cooling when pallets are pushed together in pre-coolers. Such easy access is particularly beneficial for inspectors who certify the produce and for stamping the sides of the boxes after a successful inspection. The side panels also may be unzipped and folded up during the cold-storage step to further facilitate air flow to the produce. In other embodiments, zippers may be disposed greater than or less than two inches in on both sides of the narrower side panels 120 a, 120 c.

In one embodiment, the body portion 100 comprises an engagement strip 150 disposed about a perimeter of a lower end of the body portion 100. The engagement strip 150 has an inner portion that is configured to attach to the skirt portion 300 of the cover 20. The engagement strip 150 allows a user to connect the body portion 120 to the skirt portion 300 to substantially close and seal the cover 20 about a palletized product 30. In one embodiment, the engagement strip 150 may be sewn to lower portions of the side panels. The engagement strip 150 may comprise hook or loop fastener material.

The materials used to make the body portion 100 may vary depending upon the application of the cover 20. In one embodiment, the upper panel 110 comprises a heavy mesh material or vinyl that will protect the upper panel 110 and allow pallets to be doubled stacked without damaging the cover 20. The upper perimeter portion 160 may comprise a heavy vinyl material to stabilize the cover 20 and reinforce its upper edges and corners. In some embodiments, one or more side panels 120 may comprise a slack-removing component to remove slack from the one or more side panels 120 of the cover 20 to reduce potential snagging. The side panels 120 may comprise a mesh material that substantially blocks insects from accessing the produce, yet allows ambient air to pass through the side panels 120 to facilitate ventilation of the produce. In one embodiment, an appropriate mesh density is employed to provide maximum protection from insects and other pests while still allowing sufficient air movement and/or fumigant penetration through the palletized product. The side walls also preferably are transparent so that an inspector may visually inspect a produce pallet while the cover is fully engaged. Other suitable materials other than mesh may be used.

FIG. 3A shows a base portion 200 of the protective cover 20. In one embodiment, the base portion 200 has a central section 210 and a perimeter section 220 disposed about the central section 210. The central section 210 may comprise a rigid or heavy cardboard or polymer material that is configured to rest substantially flat on a pallet 40. However, it should be appreciated that there are many situations and processes used to export fruit, produce, or other goods where it may be advantageous to use different materials for a bottom portion of a wooden pallet cover. The perimeter section 220 extends about exterior edges of the base portion 220. The perimeter section 220 has an outside facing track that is configured to receive a lip of the skirt portion 300. As such, the base portion 200 may connect to the skirt portion 300. The base portion 200 functions as an anchor member for the protective cover 20. For example, the skirt portion 300 may be attached to the base portion 200 and inserted under produce containers to serve as anchor points for the side panels 120 of the cover 20. In some embodiments, the base portion 200 provides a non-slip surface that reduces the likelihood that containers will move with respect to the pallet during transportation. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, in some embodiments a mesh insert 230 may be used to allow air to pass through the base portion 200.

With reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the skirt portion 300 may comprise an attachment portion 310 and a lip 320. The attachment portion 310 has an outwardly facing side that is configured to attach to and detach from the engagement strip 150 of the body portion 100 of the cover 20. In one embodiment, the attachment portion 310 comprises hook or loop fastener material that is complementary to hook or loop fastener material of the engagement strip 150. The lip 320 is configured to be inserted into a track of the perimeter section 220 of the base portion 200. However, in other embodiments, the skirt portion 300 may be connected to the base portion 200 through arrangements other than the illustrated lip 320 and perimeter section 220. The lip 320 and attachment portion 310 define a corner 330. In some embodiments, the corner 330 may define an angle of approximately 45°. In other embodiments, the corner may define an angle of between and including approximately about 10° to about 120°. In other embodiments, the corner may define an angle of between and including approximately about 30° to about 60°. The skirt portion 300 may comprise an L-shape and be composed of a rigid member, such as a rigid plastic member, that is sewn into suitable material, such as plastic molding.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the attachment portion 310 includes one or more securing members. For example, the attachment portion 310 may comprise a first securing member 312 disposed near one end of the attachment portion 310 and a second securing member 314 disposed near an opposite end of the attachment portion 310. The securing members 312, 314 may be configured to engage with adjacent attachment portions. Such a configuration facilitates providing a skirt portion 300 that is securely connected and configured to attach the body portion 100 of the cover 20 to the base portion 300 of the cover. In some embodiments, the securing members 312, 314 comprise straps with hook and loop fastener material that is configured to securely connect adjacent attachment portions 310. In other embodiments, however, the attachment portion 310 may not include securing members 312, 314 or may include other securing mechanisms.

In other embodiments, the base portion 200 may attach to the body portion 100 without use of a skirt portion. For example, a protective cover 20 may comprise a body portion 100 and a base portion 200. The body portion 100 may include an upper panel 110 and side panels 120, as illustrated in FIG. 2. At least one side panel may comprise longitudinal seams 140. The longitudinal seams 140 each comprise a first portion and a second portion wherein the first portion is configured to engage with and disengage from the second portion to enable the side panel 120 to fold up with respect to the upper panel 110 to allow direct access to the produce containers. In such an embodiment, the base portion 200 is configured to be disposed between a pallet and the containers and to attach, either directly or indirectly, to the body portion 100.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate other embodiments of features of the system described herein. These embodiments do not necessarily have a base portion 200. For example, these embodiments may be used if a pallet required fumigation or protection and there was no base portion 200 installed between the pallet and the produce containers. An attachment member 400 is provided that functions to secure the protective cover to the produce containers 30 and/or pallet 40. The attachment member 400 may comprise an outer portion 410 and an inner portion 420. The inner portion 420 may comprise an adhesive such as, for example, double-sided tape. The inner portion 420 therefore may be configured to attach to a lower portion of the produce containers. The outer portion 410 may have a securing mechanism such as, for example, hook and loop fastener material. The outer portion 410 therefore may be configured to attach to the body portion 100 of the cover 20.

In some embodiments, the attachment member 400 may be used as an alternative to the skirt portion 300 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-4. For example, the attachment member 400 may adhere to a bottom edge of the containers just above the pallet on all four sides allowing complementary hook and loop fastener material from the body portion 100 of the cover 20 to securely attach to the outer portion 410 of the attachment member 400. In some embodiments, the base portion 200 would not be included in embodiments employing the attachment member 400 prior to palletizing containers of goods. Such embodiments might be particularly beneficial where a pallet was not initially intended for export, but was later added to an export load. The described embodiments of the attachment member 400 would not necessarily provide protection to the bottom portion of the pallet, but would allow the protective cover to operate effectively to protect substantially the entire upper portion of the pallet.

FIG. 6 illustrates other embodiments of features of the system described herein. These embodiments may comprise a system having a base portion with an integrated skirt portion. A base portion 500 is provided that comprises an integral skirt portion 510 and a central portion 520. The base portion 500 may comprise a mesh material to allow for ventilation and air movement through the bottom of a pallet 40. The central portion 520 may be configured to rest on a pallet 40. The integral skirt portion 510 may comprise a strip of hook and loop fastener material that extends from the central portion 520 and about the perimeter of the base portion 500. The integral skirt portion 510 may be configured to extend upward to surround a lower portion of produce containers 30 so as to provide a mechanism to receive, in some embodiments, complementary hook and loop fastener materials of a body portion 100 of the cover 20. In some embodiments, the base portion may about 40 inches by about 48 inches to confirm to the size of a pallet 40 and the integral skirt portion 510 may comprise about strip of material having a height of about two inches.

In some embodiments, the base portion 500 would be placed directly on a pallet 40 prior to palletizing goods. If a user decides to remove the body portion 100 of the cover 20 prior to shipment of the goods, then the base portion 500 may be shipped with the pallet 40 to a final destination. Thus, in some embodiments, the base portion 500 would be produced from a recyclable mesh material so that the base portion 500 is relatively inexpensive to manufacture. Similarly, the base portion of any of the embodiments described herein may be configured to be shipped with a pallet 40 to a final destination. Thus, the advantages provided by the base portion 500 of FIG. 6 may likewise apply to other embodiments of the base portion described herein, such as, for example, base portion 200, base portion 600, base portion 700, and base portion 900.

FIGS. 7A to 7E illustrate other embodiments of features of the system described herein. These embodiments may comprise a system having a base portion with a sleeve member that is configured to engage with a skirt portion of the cover. As shown in FIG. 7A, a base portion 600 is provided that comprises a central portion 602 and one or more sleeve members 610. The one or more sleeve members 610 may define a structure having an end opening 616 at either end, or both ends, of the sleeve member 610. In some embodiments, sleeve members 610 are disposed about the perimeter of the base portion 600. The sleeve member 610 may define a channel that is configured to receive a longitudinal member 620 through either end opening 616 or both end openings 616. The longitudinal member 620 is illustrated in FIG. 7B. In other embodiments, the sleeve member 610 may comprise an end opening 616 at one end and a closed configuration at an opposite end of the sleeve member 610 such that the longitudinal member 620 is inserted through the end opening 616 at one end of the sleeve member 610. The longitudinal member 620 may comprise a relatively rigid rod, such as a plastic or metal rod, that is configured to be displaced through the sleeve member 610. In some embodiments, the one or more sleeve members 610 comprises four sleeve members each configured to receive a longitudinal member 620. In some embodiments, the base portion 600, the one or more sleeve members 610, and the one or more longitudinal members 620 are configured to be an alternative to the base member 200 and skirt portion 300 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4.

In some embodiments, the base portion 600 includes one or more perforations at or near an interface of the sleeve member 610 and the central portion 602 of the base portion 600. The one or more perforations advantageously may allow a user to easily and quickly remove the sleeve members 610 from the base portion 600 by applying a pulling force to the sleeve members 610. For example, a user may seek to retain the cover 20 prior to shipment so that the user may reuse the cover on another load. Such perforations would allow the user to easily remove the sleeve member 610 from the base portion 600 so that the user retains the body portion of the cover 20. The body portion may then be reused with another base portion on a different load of containers. The base portion, in some embodiments, would be shipped with the load. A cover having a base portion 600 with one or more perforations would be particularly beneficial for users seeking to reuse a cover at a packaging facility and/or a fumigation facility prior to shipment of the produce.

In some embodiments, the base portion 600 is composed of a heavy paper material that is cut, folded, and fastened to create a sleeve member 610, such as a pocket, on four sides of the base portion 600. The central portion 602 of the base portion 600 may include an optional opening 604 comprising mesh material that is disposed between sheets to create a path for air movement through a lower paper sheet. In such embodiments, the base portion 600 may comprise an upper sheet of material, a lower sheet of material, and a mesh material disposed between the upper and lower sheets. Corresponding openings in the upper and lower sheets would allow the mesh material to be exposed and to provide a path for air movement through the base portion 600.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the sleeve member 610 may include an outer surface, which faces outward with respect to the base portion 600, having one or more alternating side surfaces 612 and side openings 614. The side surface 612 may comprise an outward facing side of the sleeve member 610 and, in some embodiments, the side opening 614 may define an opening in the sleeve member 610 on the outward facing side only. The longitudinal member 620 may be inserted into the sleeve member 610 through the end opening 616 in the sleeve member 610. The side opening 614 may be a pre-cut opening. For example, the base portion 600 may initially comprise a flat sheet of material. Openings may be created near an outer portion of the sheet of material by, for example, cutting or stamping the material. The edges of the sheet may then be folded and secured to create sleeve members 610 having side openings 614.

FIG. 7C shows a side view of a skirt portion 630 that is configured to engage the one or more sleeve members 610 and the one or more longitudinal members 620 of the base portion 600. The skirt portion 630 comprises a body portion 634 having an outer surface 632. The outer surface 632 is configured to attach to a lower portion of a body portion of a protective cover 20. In some embodiments, the outer surface 632 comprises hook and loop fastener material. The body portion 634 of the skirt portion 630 also comprises an inner surface having one or more attachment members 638. The attachment members 638 may comprise hooks. In some embodiments, the attachment members 638 are securely fastened to an inwardly facing side of the skirt portion 630. The attachments members 638 may be positioned to line up with corresponding side openings 614 of the sleeve member 610 so that the attachment members 638 can securely engage with the longitudinal members 620. The skirt portion 630 may also include a seal member 636 that extends generally from an inner side of the skirt portion 630. The seal member 636 may comprise a flap of material that is configured to be positioned behind the sleeve member 610 to create a seal when the skirt portion 630 is secured to the base portion 600 and the attachment members 638 are in place and engaged with the longitudinal members 620.

FIG. 7D illustrates an inward-facing side of the skirt portion 630 with the attachment members 638 disposed behind the seal member 636. The skirt portion 630 may also include one or more pockets. For example, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7D has a first pocket 640 and a second pocket 642. The first pocket 640 and the second pocket 642 are positioned at opposite ends of the skirt portion 630 and are configured to receive the longitudinal member 620 when the longitudinal member 620 is fully engaged with the sleeve member 610 of the base portion 600. The first pocket 640 may receive one end of the longitudinal member 620 and the second pocket 642 may receive an opposite end of the longitudinal member 620. In some embodiments, the first pocket 640 defines a generally rectangular configuration and the second pocket 642 defines a generally triangular configuration. The longitudinal member 620 may first be inserted into the first pocket 640 and then inserted into the second pocket 642 to securely mate the skirt portion 630 and the sleeve member 610. The second pocket 642 may have a generally triangular configuration to facilitate easy insertion of the longitudinal member 620 in the second pocket 642 after the longitudinal member 620 has been inserted in the first pocket 640. FIG. 7E shows the outer surface 632, or outward-facing side, of the skirt portion 630 that is configured to attach to a body portion of the protective cover.

In some embodiments, which are not illustrated in the drawings, the skirt portion 630 includes one or more securing members. For example, the skirt portion 630 may comprise a first securing member disposed near one end of the skirt portion 630 and a second securing member disposed near an opposite end of the skirt portion 630. The securing members may be configured to engage with adjacent skirt portions. Such a configuration facilitates providing a skirt portion for the cover that is securely connected. In some embodiments, the securing members comprise straps with hook and loop fastener material that is configured to securely connect adjacent skirt portions 630. In other embodiments, the skirt portion 630 may include other securing mechanisms.

In some implementations, the embodiments of FIGS. 7A through 7E comprise a base portion 600 that is an alternative option that would be made of a paper product with pre-cut holes around the outer edges. The sides may be folded up and glued to create a pocket on all four sides. The base portion 600 may be placed directly on top of a pallet prior to palletizing goods. In some embodiments, the base portion 600 and skirt portion 630 may be used when removing the cover prior to shipment. These embodiments may also be particularly economical and disposable with other cardboard waste since, in some embodiments, the base portion 600 is composed of an inexpensive paper material. The sleeve member 610 and the longitudinal member 620 are configured to attach to the base portion 600 on all four sides thereby creating an anchor point for a lower portion of a body portion of the cover. The base portion 600 may be composed of a variety of suitable materials, such as, for example, at least one or more of the following materials: paper, heavy paper, cardboard, polyethylene, canvas, vinyl, mesh, heavy mesh, and glass spun fiber.

FIGS. 8A to 8C illustrate other embodiments of features of the system described herein. These embodiments may comprise a system having a base portion and a skirt portion having complementary recesses and inserts. As shown in FIG. 8A, a base portion 700 may be provided having a central portion 702 and plurality of recesses 704 disposed about a perimeter of the base portion 700. The base portion 700 may comprise a relatively rigid material, such as, for example, wood, cardboard, and/or plastic. In the illustrated embodiments the recesses 704 define substantially half-circular configurations; however, the recesses 704 may define other shapes as well. The recesses 704 may be configured to receive insert portions of a skirt portion. The recesses 704 preferably would be disposed in such a way so as to not compromise the structural integrity of the shipping container.

FIGS. 8B and 8C show a skirt portion 710 comprising an outer surface 712, a body portion 714, and a plurality of insert portions 716. The outer surface 712 is configured to engage and connect to a body portion of the protective cover. In some embodiments, the outer surface 712 comprises a hook and loop fastener material. The insert portions 716 may project inwardly from a lower portion of the body portion 714 of the skirt portion 710. In the illustrated embodiments the inserts 716 define substantially half-circular configurations; however, the inserts 716 may define other shapes as well. The inserts 716 may be configured to mate with the recesses 704 of the base portion 700. In some embodiments, the one or more of the recesses may have a circular insert depth of approximately one inch and a shallow portion depth of approximately 0.25 inches. The thickness of the inserts 716 may be substantially the same as the thickness of corresponding recesses 704. In other embodiments, the thickness of the inserts 716 may be less than the thickness of corresponding recesses 704 so that the inserts 716 are thinner than the recesses 704. As shown in FIG. 8C, the skirt portion 710 may include one or more strap members 718 disposed at or near ends of the skirt portion 710. The one or more strap members 718 may be configured to wrap around corners of the produce containers and attach to adjacent skirt portions to secure the skirt portions.

In some implementations, the embodiments of FIGS. 8A through 8C were designed to have the base portion 700 shipped with a load to another destination, such as a final destination, while also allowing for removal of the skirt portion 710 and a body portion of the cover prior to shipment. Advantageously, these embodiments may be user friendly and as economical as possible.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate other embodiments of features of the system described herein. These embodiments may comprise a system having a body portion of a cover with an open bottom and configured to be placed over containers as one piece. A body portion 800 is provided that is configured to engage with a base portion 900 to protect containers of goods 30. The goods may be disposed on a pallet 40.

The body portion 800 may comprise a generally rectangular configuration with an upper panel 808 and four side panels 802. One or more of the panels 802 may include an opening member 804. In some embodiments, the opening member 804 is configured to allow a user access to product disposed behind the particular panel 802 of the body portion 800 upon which the opening member 804 is disposed without affecting the other side panels of the body portion 800. For example, with reference to FIG. 10, a user may use a first opening member 804 a, which is disposed on a first panel 802 a of the body portion 800, to access a portion of goods generally covered by the first panel 802 a of the body portion 800. Using the first opening member 804 a, in some embodiments, does not generally affect a second side panel 802 b of the body portion 800. As such, the second panel 802 b of the body portion 800 may stay closed while a user access goods covered by the first panel 802 a using the first opening member 804 a. In some embodiments, the opening member 802 comprises a continuous zipper that defines a generally U-shaped configuration such that it extends generally vertically down one side of a panel, across a bottom portion of the panel, and generally vertically up an opposite side of the panel. The generally U-shaped configuration of the opening member 802 is illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. As shown by an arrow B in FIG. 10, the opening member 804 b may be opened to allow a portion of the side panel 802 b to hinge upwards with respect to the body portion 800. The body portion 800 of the cover may have an opening member 802 disposed on one side panel, two side panels, three side panels, or all four side panels of the body portion 800.

In some embodiments, the body portion 800 includes a pocket member 806 disposed at or near a lower edge of a side panel 802. The pocket member 806 may extend generally horizontally along a lower edge of the side panel 802. The pocket member 806 may define an opening extending generally through the pocket member 806 that is configured to receive a longitudinal member, such as a relatively rigid rod. The longitudinal member and pocket member 806 may be configured to engage with a track of the base portion 900 to securely attach the body portion 800 to the base portion 900 and to create a seal about the goods. In some embodiments, the longitudinal member and pocket member 806 may be configured to engage the pallet 40, instead of or in addition to the base portion 900, to create a seal about the goods.

In some implementations, the embodiments of FIGS. 9 and 10 include a body portion 800 comprising a single mesh cube with solid, non-mesh fabric reinforcing the top, corners, and edges. There may be four rectangular mesh panels, which each contain fastening devices that can be unfastened and will allow access to all sides of the pallet without affecting the other sides. The bottom pockets on each side panel may be inserted into or onto a track member of the base portion or pallet having a suitable receiving member to create a seal around the product. For example, the body portion 800 may include relatively heavy material about its edges and corners to reinforce the edges and corners. In some embodiments, the side panels 802 comprise mesh material attached by solid material at the edges and corners. In some embodiments, the pocket members 806 comprise additional material attached to the lower edge of each side panel that is configured to receive a plastic rod.

Embodiments of one or more of the covers disclosed herein may be composed of a variety of suitable materials, such as, for example, at least one or more of the following materials: paper, heavy paper, cardboard, polyethylene, canvas, vinyl, mesh, heavy mesh, and glass spun fiber.

Some of the advantages of the disclosed embodiments will now be described. The protective covers safeguard pallets of produce that are imported into or exported from the United States. The covers greatly reduce the risk of invasive pests being transferred from one country to another. Applicant intends, in some embodiments, to develop systems to secure product to address potential food safety concerns. Options for achieving this purpose include, for example, securing zippers (or other closure devices) in corners with some type of seal or possibly using a strip of double-sided tamper resistant tape to lower portions of a cover with a corresponding location on the skirt thus creating a tamper-resistant seal.

Pallets typically are fumigated with Methyl Bromide prior to shipment to ensure that they are free from insects or insect larvae. Described embodiments will also provide a barrier that may help protect products from other threats to food safety. Such threats include, but are not limited to pests, rodents, disturbances of the fruit by an individual, or other forms of contaminates that could possibly cause food-borne illness. The fumigation process consists of a two-hour exposure to the fumigant in a gas-tight chamber. The chamber is then forcefully ventilated by using fans for approximately four hours, or passively for approximately 12 hours, until the product has off-gassed to a safe level. The pallets are then removed from the fumigation chamber and are stamped with an identification number that represents the location of fumigation. The product is then taken to a cold storage facility for cooling and final inspections prior to shipping. When pallets are designated for export they enter into a series of steps that may be referred to as a “Pathway.”

Along this Pathway there are areas of vulnerability where insects could possibly reenter the boxes or load. Some of the most vulnerable areas include the ventilation process where air from the outside is being circulated through the fumigation chamber. Other areas include when the pallets are removed from the chamber to be stamped and relocated to the cold storage facility. These steps expose pallets to open air for longer than four hours, which creates a risk of possible re-infestation of insects.

After the pallets have been moved into the cold storage facility, the risk of infestation reduces because of slowed insect metabolism, thereby lowering the risk of insect movement from pallet to pallet. Although the risk is reduced, there are some work plans that require pallets to not be commingled or placed within three feet of fumigated fruit designated for export. The disclosed protective covers may provide a justification for removing this regulation. Work plans are developed by domestic and foreign officials and are to be followed by fumigators to ensure consistent product handling throughout the industry. There is a final inspection conducted by officials from the importing country to ensure efficacy of pests that may have been in the load. A load is cleared for shipment if the load is determined to be free from live insects and satisfies other criteria.

The fiscal consequences of a rejected load can be significant depending on how far along the Pathway the load has traveled before rejection. If the load is still at the fumigating facility and a live pest is found in the load during inspection, the load is rejected and cannot be shipped to its designated location. The fumigation chamber is also decertified and requires an investigation to determine the source of failure. This can take some time to recertify a chamber and under certain market condition it could be costly to the shipper.

These situations can create a lack of confidence by the importing country, which could result in potential future sales losses. The potential losses increase if the load has left the original facility and is rejected at some point further down the Pathway. For example, the load may be rejected at a border checkpoint, which typically do not have refrigeration facilities and result in total loss of a load. If loads are rejected, the original shipper is financially responsible for shipping the product back to the point of origin or allowing the load to be diverted to another location where additional shipping costs are incurred. This may result in a loss of load quality due to delays and increased handling.

The embodiments disclosed herein will greatly reduce the potential for rejected loads and lost revenue. The disclosed covers will also protect the reputation of quality fumigators in the industry. The protective covers could also play a role in the movement of product through or from possible quarantined areas if high risk insects are located in a large agricultural area. There is also potential for the protective covers to be a containment tool if produce is packed within a quarantined area that needs to be moved through or to a non-quarantined area. The potential benefits, including but not limited to financial gain, are significant to growers and shippers because the protective covers will help ensure that their produce and loads remains free of invasive pests. The identified advantages also would apply to countries shipping products into the United States.

The embodiments disclosed herein may be suitable for a variety of applications in addition to, or instead of, protecting produce from insects before, during, or after the fumigation process. For example, the embodiments may be used to isolate loads within a shipment so that if one bundle of containers is infected by insects or other harmful debris, other bundles of containers in the load are protected from such insects or other harmful debris. Such harmful debris may include weed seeds and/or plant debris. This would have financial benefits to distributors and others because sometimes an entire shipment may be destroyed if only a portion of the shipment is infected with insects or other harmful debris and the uninfected portion is not sufficiently isolated from the infected portion. For instance, the embodiments disclosed herein may provide containment of pests or harmful debris within a load or shipment if discovered when entering an importing country. If a pest or other harmful debris is discovered, the pest or harmful debris would be advantageously contained until further treatment or corrective action is provided. In addition, the embodiments may be used to protect bundles of containers during a cold air treatment process where such bundles are not necessarily subject to a fumigation process.

It is contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects herein may be made and still fall within the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the protective covers may be used to safeguard products other than produce. In addition, the pallet may have a groove configured to receive the skirt portion and secure the cover. The skirt portion may be connected to the base portion through double-sided tape. In other embodiments, the base portion may simply comprise a cardboard sheet or heavy paper material to adequately protect the bottom of the palletized product, yet reduce production costs. Moreover, in some embodiments, the protective covers may not include a skirt portion and may not comprise separate base and body portions. For example, the protective covers may comprise a one-piece structure or a two-piece structure capable of sufficiently protecting containers of produce. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed protective covers. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A cover for protecting packaged and palletized produce from insects before and/or during shipment of produce from one location to another location, the cover comprising: a body portion comprising a top panel and a plurality of side panels, wherein the body portion is configured to substantially cover the top and sides of a bundle of packaged and palletized produce containers, wherein the plurality of side panels are configured to substantially block insects from accessing the produce, and wherein the side panels are configured to allow ambient air and fumigants to pass therethrough; a base portion comprising a bottom panel, wherein the base portion is configured to be disposed on a pallet such that the base portion rests between the pallet and the bundle of packaged and palletized produce containers; and a skirt portion configured to removably attach the body portion to the base portion to enable the cover to substantially cover the bundle of packaged and palletized produce containers and to securely cover and protect the produce from insects before and/or during shipment of the produce from one location to another location; wherein the base portion comprises a plurality of sleeves extending substantially about a perimeter of the base portion, the plurality of sleeves comprising a plurality of side walls and a plurality of recess such that the side walls and recesses generally alternate along a length of the sleeve, the sleeve having an opening at one end of the sleeve and defining a substantially open channel configured to receive a longitudinal member; wherein the skirt portion comprises an inner surface, an outer surface, and a plurality of hooks disposed on the inner surface of the skirt portion, wherein the outer surface of the skirt portion is configured to removably attach to the body portion of the cover, and wherein the plurality of hooks generally correspond to the plurality recesses of the skirt portion when the cover is assembled about the bundle of packaged and palletized produce containers so that the plurality of hooks directly engage with the longitudinal member when the longitudinal member is inserted through the opening into the substantially open channel of the sleeve to securely attach the body portion, skirt portion, and base portion of the cover before and/or during shipment of the produce from one location to another location.
 2. The cover of claim 1, wherein the plurality of side panels comprises four side panels.
 3. The cover of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal member comprises a rigid rod.
 4. The cover of claim 1, wherein the skirt portion comprises a seal member that extends generally from an inner side of the skirt portion, the seal member configured to be positioned behind the sleeve to create a seal when the skirt portion is secured to the base portion.
 5. The cover of claim 1, wherein the base portion comprises one or more perforations at or near an interface of the sleeve and a central portion of the base portion, the perforations configured to allow a user to easily remove the sleeves from the base portion by applying a pulling force to the sleeves.
 6. The cover of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of side panels comprises a first longitudinal seam and a second longitudinal seam, the first and second longitudinal seams each comprising a first portion and a second portion wherein the first portion is configured to engage with and disengage from the second portion to enable the side panel to fold up with respect to the top panel to allow direct access to the produce containers.
 7. A cover for protecting produce, comprising: a body portion comprising an upper panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel, wherein the first side panel and second side panel are attached to the upper panel and the body portion is configured to substantially cover a bundle of produce containers; a base portion, wherein the base portion is configured to be disposed between a pallet and the containers; and a skirt portion, wherein the skirt portion is configured to removably attach the body portion and the base portion; wherein the side panels are configured to substantially block insects from accessing the produce, and wherein the side panels are configured to allow ambient air to pass therethrough.
 8. The cover of claim 7, wherein the base portion comprises a mesh insert configured to allow air movement through the base portion.
 9. The cover of claim 7, wherein the body portion comprises four side panels.
 10. The cover of claim 7, wherein the first side panel comprises a substantially transparent mesh material.
 11. The cover of claim 7, wherein the body portion comprises an engagement portion disposed near a lower end of the body portion and configured to engage with the skirt portion.
 12. The cover of claim 7, wherein the first side panel comprises a longitudinal seam, the longitudinal seam comprising a first portion and a second portion wherein the first portion is configured to engage with and disengage from the second portion.
 13. The cover of claim 12, wherein the longitudinal seam is offset from a longitudinal corner of the body portion.
 14. The cover of claim 12, wherein the longitudinal seam comprises a closure device.
 15. The cover of claim 12, wherein the longitudinal seam comprises a zipper.
 16. The cover of claim 7, wherein the base portion comprises a perimeter portion having a track and the skirt portion comprises an attachment portion and a lip.
 17. The cover of claim 16, wherein the track is configured to receive the lip to attach the skirt portion to the base portion.
 18. A cover for protecting produce, comprising: a body portion comprising an upper panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel, wherein the first side panel and second side panel are attached to the upper panel and the body portion is configured to substantially cover a bundle of produce containers, wherein the first side panel comprises a first longitudinal seam and a second longitudinal seam, the first and second longitudinal seams each comprising a first portion and a second portion wherein the first portion is configured to engage with and disengage from the second portion to enable the first side panel to fold up with respect to the upper panel to allow direct access to the produce containers; and a base portion, wherein the base portion is configured to be disposed between a pallet and the containers and wherein the base portion is configured to attach to the body portion; wherein the side panels are configured to substantially block insects from accessing the produce, and wherein the side panels are configured to allow ambient air to pass therethrough.
 19. The cover of claim 18, wherein at least one of the longitudinal seams is offset from a longitudinal corner of the body portion.
 20. The cover of claim 19, wherein the first longitudinal seam and the second longitudinal seam each are offset at least about two inches from respective longitudinal corners of the body portion. 